111 N. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
Dock
Offered
Mooring
Not Offered
Day Trip
Not Offered
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143 Reviews
by Philip B. on Oct 03, 2025
We are Loopers that stayed as transients for 4 nights. Great location to access everything Chicago has to offer (allot), great staff. Security is very good and area is clean and safe.
by David B. - Verified user on Sep 21, 2025
Aside from one dockhand, staff was not helpful. Washer/Dryer in a dirty closet. Wr had just stayed at Navy Pier which was much nicer in all ways.
by Mike L. - Verified user on Sep 16, 2025
We love this harbor for its’ location to the river walk and downtown. Women’s bathroom was clean and cool. Men’s could use some TLC. Over all, a great place. We will be back next season.
by Erasmus I. - Verified user on Sep 09, 2025
This is a great marina. Close to the city to be able to walk everywhere, with a long lake front bike and walking path that covers the waterfront. We did a lot of fun things, which you can figure out. The marine itself is tricky to find from land but is protected by two sea walls from the lake. And the address does not seem to work for Amazon (!). SECURITY: The security system needs attention. There was a murder on our dock, two boats from our slip, three days before we arrived. As a result, security was heightened during our stay. I took precautions nonetheless and had three video cameras watching the situation. Many here are weekend boaters and the docks are quiet (and vulnerable) during the week. During the day, there is a parade of humanity walking, running, and bicycling by which helps. But the key codes are well-known and don't seem to be changed that often. The community response to the murder was compassionate and energetic: we expect that the security system and presence will be upgraded soon.
Still, we do recommend this marina.
by Terry A. - Verified user on Sep 08, 2025
Can’t find a more beautiful place to stay in Chicago and close to everything: museums, Navy Pier, Michigan Ave, Riverwalk, Mariano’s. New docks, marina well maintained and staff very friendly and helpful. Bathrooms clean and adequate but could use an update.
by Pete W. - Verified user on Sep 02, 2025
Great stay! Encountered a slight issue with the power connection and called the Marina staff. Issue was resolved in 5 min while they stayed on the line to ensure all was well.
Wil definitely visit again soon!
by Bill S. - Verified user on Aug 20, 2025
Well maintained and managed marina. Plus you can’t beat the location. We stay here everytime we cruise to chicago
by Laurel Z. - Verified user on Aug 19, 2025
We always love staying at DuSable Harbor. The facility is clean, safe, and the staff is very friendly and helpful. Tiny helped us out in a big way when the slip we had rented didn't fit out boat. We are looking forward to our next stay!
Marina Response:
ljzwit, thank you for the kind words. We are glad to hear you had an enjoyable stay at our harbor. Visit again soon!by Chad K. - Verified user on Aug 18, 2025
Had an excellent stay! Great marina, great views and great people!!
by Luis m. - Verified user on Aug 18, 2025
Excellent staff service!!!
by Alana W. - Verified user on Aug 17, 2025
I paid $200 to reserve a slip at DuSable Harbor for the Air Show 4 months in advance. The Harbormaster put us at the end of the dock in spot E30. When I returned from a short ride, another group aggressively confronted me, claiming the same spot. I tried calling the Harbormaster via radio and rode around the harbor for an hour trying to find them to help before just going home.
Later on the phone the Harbormaster admitted he overbooked and told me we should “just share.” He did not tell any of us that this was his plan and charged all of us the same full rate. Additionally, NO other slips were handled this way. It was unprofessional, unethical, and ruined what was supposed to be a special weekend with my son.
Aside from my personal experience, it is important to know that there are virtually no amenities.
The harbor store had about a 10 foot span of wall space with only a handful of necessities. No power adapters. We brought our 30a, but all power posts are 50. Just be aware of that if you have power needs.
No refueling of any kind. You’ll have to go all the way down to Burnham Harbor for that.
The bathrooms are public, outside of the security gate and when I tell you I could smell them from 20 feet away, it’s no joke.
The one cafe only serves drinks until noon and is outside. No indoor spaces or breakfast.
by James H. - Verified user on Aug 04, 2025
Nice people - great location
by Chad P. - Verified user on Jul 28, 2025
Great experience at DuSable Harbor. Staff at the harbor store was great, facilities were clean and location is awesome!
by steve G. - Verified user on Jul 23, 2025
Vue imprenable sur les grattes ciel de chicago. Vraiment bien situé a l’entrée de la Chicago River et bordée par la Waterfront Trail. Très belle marina.
by David R. - Verified user on Jul 20, 2025
Great harbor facility in the midst of downtown Chicago!!!
by Patrick h. - Verified user on Jul 13, 2025
Great harbor. Staff is helpful and clean restrooms
by Edward R. - Verified user on Jun 30, 2025
Beautiful Harbor with great facilities!
by Chiaka P. - Verified user on Jun 23, 2025
Frustrated. Twice my assigned slip location was changed leading me to drive around the windy harbor from one slip to another trying to dock in slips that already had boats in them. Finally I was given a third assignment in an empty slip. The harbor staff was very friendly and helpful.
by John H. - Verified user on Jun 22, 2025
Friendly accommodating staff!
by Cristina P. - Verified user on Jun 10, 2025
Great location and vibe!
by Doug B. - Verified user on Jun 02, 2025
Very nice marina in heart of the City. Good security, mostly seasonal slips. It's expensive, but otherwise we enjoyed it
by Scott S. - Verified user on May 25, 2025
Great harbor to stay at. Many things to do that are all walking distance. Columbia yacht club was very inviting. Great staff that made us feel very welcome.
by Kevin m. - Verified user on Oct 29, 2024
The location is incredible, love that the docks are composite so you don't have to worry about slivers. Would love to stay here again. I wish they could do something about the homeless person living in the far shower of the men's bathroom, the marina staff said there is nothing they could do.
by Donald Z. - Verified user on Oct 07, 2024
The staff handles the reservations asap, placed us on a tdock so we had room for our dinghy; clean and comfy marina close to all.
by Brian S. - Verified user on Sep 24, 2024
Absolutely fantastic location! Docks are in good shape. You are paying for location. Staff is unengaged, bathrooms/showers were in need of more frequent cleaning and the laundry....one small washer and dryer stuck in a closet for over 400 slips???? really??
About DuSable Harbor, The Chicago Harbors
Please Note: 2-3 night minimum may be charged for special events of holidays. DuSable Harbor has a 30' minimum.
DuSable Harbor is located in the heart of downtown Chicago at the foot of Randolph Street. Surrounded by a towering skyline and being the only harbor with slips close to the loop, it is a very popular mooring location. Hemmed in by the Columbia Yacht Club to the south, the harbor was completed in 2000 by closing in part of Monroe Harbor, thus the entrance is thru Monroe Harbor headed north along the eastern breakwater. There are 420 slips at DuSable with accommodations for boats 30’- 100' in length. We are located near the Chicago Locks, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Art institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium among many more! We also have a full grocery store, Mariano's, a 10-minute walk from our harbor.
Transient docking is available; please visit our Dockwa page to place a reservation. Waste pump-out equipment is provided on a no-charge basis on the end-cap of D-Dock. The harbor monitors VHF channels 9 and 16 and the switch to/working channel is 67.
Captains & Crew: All of of our overnight transient slips are on floating docks.
Mailing Address: 150 N Lake shore Drive Chicago, 60601 Secondary Address: Columbia Yacht Club Please include both
Harbor Master: John Meidinger
Booking Info
Please note transient dockage can not be used for commercial purposes.
Services
Amenities
Info
Photos
A Wanderer's Guide to DuSable Harbor
It is hard to get closer to downtown Chicago than DuSable Harbor. Walk the iconic Chicago Riverwalk, bike along Lake Michigan on the Lakefront Trail, take a picture at the Bean, eat deep dish delivered to your boat, or venture out for some delicious Chicago cuisine. There is no shortage of activities accessible by land or water from DuSable Harbor to explore all Chicago has to offer.
Approach and Dockage
Despite Lake Michigan’s reputation for kicking up some wind and waves, DuSable Harbor is well protected behind two breakwalls. The entrance is about 0.8 miles south of the Chicago Harbor Lock and there is only one way in and out of the harbor. Head through the red and green markers past the secondary breakwall and turn to your starboard side. Head between the mooring field and the breakwall towards the large ship, which is the Columbia Yacht Club. Continue past the Columbia Yacht Club and you will enter DuSable Harbor. There are 8 docks labeled with a letter A-H, with A being the farthest north dock. Transient slips are throughout the marina so be sure to check where your slip is located. Friendly and helpful dockhands are available to help you tie up.
Monroe Harbor, also operated by the city, offers mooring balls that you pass when headed into DuSable for $1/foot (at time of writing). They offer a regular tender service as well to pick and drop you off on land and to bathrooms/showers. While the mooring field is relatively protected, be cautious as it can get rocky, making it uncomfortable for some to stay onboard. If DuSable is filled, some stay on a mooring ball until a transient slip opens up.
Marina Amenities
Bathrooms/Showers The bathrooms and showers are locked by a code and located next to Cafe Michelle and the public bathrooms (that do not require a code to access). Depending on where you are, it can be a short or long walk from your slip.
Laundry A single dryer and washer coin operated is located in the same building as the bathrooms and showers.
Pump-Out Free self-serve pump-out is located at the end of Dock D 24/7.
Pet-Access DuSable Marina is located along the Chicago’s Lakefront Trail, which is a heavily trafficked paved running, walking, biking path with green spaces perfectl for taking a pet to shore.
Proximity to Attractions by Land
Chicago Riverwalk (0.4 miles) The 1.25 mile path takes walkers alongside the Chicago River. Dotted with restaurants, parks, and sights, it is one of the best ways to experience the architecture of the city. Take a run on a weekday morning before it gets crowded, or on a warm afternoon grab a drink at one of their many outdoor bars and watch the pedestrian and water traffic go by. If you want to travel the Chicago River by water and not in your boat, grab a kayak or hop on an architecture tour.
Lakefront Trail (0 miles) Once you step off your dock, be sure to look rigth and left for walkers, runners, and bikers along Chicago’s Lakefront Trail. This 18-mile trail lines Lake Michigan and is a great way to take in some Chicago and Lake Michigan views by bike or foot. It can get popular before/after work and especially on weekends, so just be sure to keep a lookout for bikers or joggers before hopping on.
Millenium Park (0.7 miles) One of Chicago’s most iconic parks, take a picture at the Bean, walk through Lurie Gardens, get your feet wet at Crown Fountain, or if you’re lucky, attend one of many music fesivals open to the public.
Navy Pier (0.5 miles) Take a stroll along the Lakefront Trail to Chicago’s Navy Pier, for some beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Grab a bite to eat or depending on the time of the year, check out one of their seasonal displays or events.
Museums (1+ miles) There is no shortage of impressive and engaging museums, many within walking distance from DuSable Harbor. The hardest part won’t be trying to get there, it will be deciding which one to go to. Museums within 1.5 miles include The Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, and the Museum of Contempoary Photography. Chinatown (by water taxi or 3.2 miles by foot) You can get to Chinatown by land, but one of the best ways is by watertaxi. Hop on at the Chicago Riverwalk and cruise to one of the city’s most unique neighborhoods, which dates back to 1912. The neighborhood has some impressive sites, such as the Ping Tom Memorial Park or the Pui Tak Center, and great dining options, so be sure to come hungry. Some favorites include Chiu Quon Bakery and Dim Sum and Imperial Restaurant.
Dining Options (Varies) There are no shortage of great places to eat in Chicago, and for some of the better dining options, encourage you to explore beyond what’s only available within walking distance. There are several guides to help figure out where to eat based on your tastes, but some favorites include the burger at Au Cheval, sandwiches at J.P. Graziano Grocery, donuts from Stan’s Donuts and Coffee, breakfast at Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe, and deep dish pizza from Pequod’s (they deliver).
Proximity to Attractions By Water
Chicago River If you don’t want to take an archituecture tour, or perhaps you have a local friend who knows enough and is looking for a boat ride, cruise up and down the Chicago River yourself. There can be some boat traffic, especially on weekends, but it’s hard to beat cruising this iconic waterway in your own vessel (and impressing your Chicago friends). Just heads up that you do have to enter and exit through the Chicago Harbor Lock.
Playpen/Monroe Harbor Anchorage On a calm, warm day, head over to the Playpen or Monroe Harbor anchoarages and drop the hook. Jump into Lake Michigan’s blue water while looking up at the Chicago skyline–it doesn’t get more peak-Chicago summer than this. Weekends can get busy, but plenty of room for several boats in both locations.
Chicago Harbor Lock Constructed in the 1930s to reverse the flow of the Chicago River to prevent sewage from entering Lake Michigan, the Chicago Harbor Lock plays an important role in serving as a barrier to Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. (Don’t worry, the Chicago River is much cleaner than in the 1930s.) The lock operates 24/7.
